The 5-Minute Skin Cancer Self-Exam That Could Save Your Life
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Here is what you need to know.
Why Skin Cancer Awareness Matters
Skin cancer awareness means having the knowledge to both prevent skin cancer and detect it early through regular skin self-exams. This knowledge could save your life!
Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in America, with an estimated one in five Americans developing it during their lifetime. It affects people of all skin colors and comes in several forms. While some types are more dangerous than others, as board-certified Dermatologists, we take all forms of skin cancer seriously - and so should you.
Proven Strategies to Prevent Skin Cancer
The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" definitely applies to skin cancer. Although we'll discuss treatment options in an upcoming post, prevention should always be your first priority. Here's how to protect yourself:
1. Strategic Sun Avoidance
As much as possible, avoid sun exposure when UV rays are strongest, typically between 10 AM and 2 PM. Be especially cautious around water, snow, or sand, as these surfaces reflect UV light back up, effectively increasing your exposure.
2. Sun-Protective Clothing: Your First Line of Defense
There are excellent options for sun-protective clothing available today. Quality hats from companies like Coolibar and Tilley (which we carry right here in our Dermatology of North Asheville office) effectively minimize UV exposure to your face, head, and neck. For additional protection, consider long-sleeve shirts and pants with high UPF ratings for both casual wear and outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and boating.
3. Sunscreen: Using It Correctly Matters
Good sunscreen use is critical and should complement, not replace, the methods mentioned above. Always use:
Broad-spectrum protection
Water-resistant formula
SPF 30 or higher
Regular reapplication every few hours or after swimming
4. Tanning Booths: Just Say No
Avoid tanning booths completely! If you absolutely want a tanned appearance, consider self-tanning products instead.
Remember: There's no such thing as a "safe" tan. Any tan indicates your skin has experienced damaging UV exposure. This damage accumulates in your skin cells' DNA over time and, with repeated injuries, can lead to skin cancer.
Early Detection Saves Lives: How to Spot Skin Cancer
Sometimes, despite vigilant protection, skin cancers develop anyway. As with all cancers, early detection dramatically improves treatment success. While people with high UV exposure or other risk factors (immunosuppression, chronic inflammation, arsenic exposure, or personal/family history of skin cancer) face higher risks, everyone should perform regular self-exams.
How to Perform a Thorough Skin Self-Exam
The American Academy of Dermatology offers an excellent illustrated guide, but here are the key steps:
Full-Body Mirror Check: Examine your body, front and back, and then both sides with arms raised.
Upper Body Examination: Look carefully at your underarms, forearms, and palms.
Lower Body Inspection: Examine your legs, between your toes, and the soles of your feet. This step is especially crucial for patients of African descent, as the most common form of melanoma in this population occurs on the feet. (Reggae icon Bob Marley died from acral lentiginous melanoma - a melanoma on his foot.)
Scalp and Neck Check: Use a hand mirror to examine your neck and scalp, making sure to part your hair for a thorough inspection.
Back and Buttocks Assessment: Use a hand mirror to examine your back and buttocks. Even areas with minimal sun exposure can develop skin cancer.
Document What You See: Use your smartphone to take photos of concerning spots. Serial photography helps identify subtle changes that might indicate a problem.
Warning Signs: The ABCDE Rule for Skin Cancer Detection
Refer to the American Academy of Dermatology's Spot Skin Cancer infographic for visual guidance. Key warning signs include:
Painful, non-healing, or spontaneously bleeding spots
"Pearly" appearing bumps, especially with visible blood vessels
Rapidly growing or changing bumps
Irregular pigmented (dark) spots
For pigmented lesions, remember the ABCDE rule:
Asymmetric shape (one half doesn't match the other)
Borders that are irregular or poorly defined
Colors that vary within the spot (multiple shades of tan, black, white, red, or blue)
Diameter larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
Evolving appearance or different from your other moles
Professional Skin Exams: When to See Your Dermatologist
If you've discovered something unusual during your self-exam, have a history of severe sunburns or skin cancer, or simply want reassurance about your skin health, schedule a visit with your board-certified Dermatologist.
Your skin deserves expert care - don't wait until it's too late.
